Youngster’s guide to big issue for country

Milly James has created a website all about the EU referendum.

Published:09:15Sunday 12 June 2016

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A Morpeth schoolgirl may not be able to vote in the upcoming European Union (EU) referendum for the UK, but she has got creative to show how important the outcome of the vote is for everyone in the country.

Milly James, 13, has put together an unbiased website that includes the arguments raised by Britain Stronger In Europe and Vote Leave campaigns, background information about the EU and the voting procedure and regulations.

At Newminster Middle School and Technology College, pupils are tasked to do activities that will see them earn ‘jigsaw pieces’ relating to the school’s values and for the ‘resilience’ piece, Milly came up with the idea to create the online resource.

The Year 8 student said: “It came about after having a conversation with my dad about a news article which said that people aged 35 and under were more likely to vote to stay in the EU, but they were less likely to vote than older age groups.

“Therefore, although the website has been set up to appeal to everyone who is eligible to vote, the focus is on the people in the 18 to 35 age range.

“It was interesting doing the research and I’ve discussed the issues with fellow pupils in school. I’ve also received positive feedback for the website from Wansbeck MP Ian Lavery and Chi Onwurah, MP for Newcastle Central.

“The vote is very important because the result is going to affect how things will turn out in the future, including my age group when we go to university and apply for jobs.”